which is visible in the mouth. The root of the tooth is the portion which is normally not visible in the mouth and is anchored within the bone. PARTS OF A TOOTH Enamel – Makes up the protective outer surface of the crown of the tooth. Dentin – Makes up the majority of the inner surface of the tooth. It cannot normally be seen except on x-rays. Pulp – This is the area inside the tooth that holds the nerves and blood vessels of the tooth. It is in the center of the tooth and is in both the crown and the root of the tooth. Cementum – Makes up the outer surface of the root of the tooth. It is much softer than enamel. TYPES OF TEETH INCISORS located at the front of the mouth have a sharp biting surface and are used for cutting or shearing food into small chewable pieces. There are eight incisors in both primary and permanent dentitions. TYPES OF TEETH CANINES are situated at the 'corners' of the dental arches. They have a sharp, pointed biting surface. Their function is to grip and tear food. There are four canine teeth in both primary and permanent dentitions. TYPES OF TEETH PREMOLARS have a flat biting surface Their function is to tear and crush food. They are unique to the permanent dentition which has eight premolars. TYPES OF TEETH MOLARS The molars are the largest of the teeth. They have a large flat biting surface. The function of the molars is to chew, crush and grind food. There are eight molars in the primary dentition and twelve in the permanent dentition. Primary(deciduous teeth) also called “temporary”, “milk”, and “baby teeth there are twenty(20) primary teeth first primary teeth usually appear between 6 to 10 months eruption is completed between 3 and 4 years of age the process of normal exfoliation takes place between the seventh and the twelfth year Permanent(succedaneous) teeth replaces the exfoliated deciduous teeth transition to permanent dentition begins with the eruption and emergence of the first permanent molar(6 years old) the number of teeth in adults, including third molars when present, is 32 the primary function is to prepare food for swallowing and to facilitate digestion Major contrasts between primary and permanent teeth: thereare 20 primary teeth and 32 permanent ones the primary teeth are smaller than the permanent ones the permanent teeth are of better quality and more durable the primary teeth are whiter in appearance the roots of the primary teeth are more flared Important Milestones in the Growth and Development of Your Child's Teeth: Age 1 By the first birthday, the bottom and top front teeth have come in. The first primary molars are about to appear and the crowns of the second primary molars have formed. The biting surfaces of the first permanent molars are being formed and the first permanent incisors are hardening. The jaw is increasing in size in both height and width as the cartilage and bones are growing. Important Milestones in the Growth and Development of Your Child's Teeth: Age 3 By the child's 3rd birthday, almost all the primary teeth are present or accounted for. The teeth should fit together at this stage which is the start of a developing occlusion or bite. The crowns of the first permanent incisors are almost complete. The crowns of the first permanent molars are complete. Mineralization of the premolar crowns are starting and the permanent canines are about two-thirds complete. The roots of all the primary teeth are complete. Important Milestones in the Growth and Development of Your Child's Teeth: Age 5 A lot is going on in your 5-year-old. Breakdown (resorption) of the roots of baby incisors is taking place which allows the adult incisors to come in. When baby teeth are ready to come out, they will at first feel loose and eventually fall out on their own. The baby tooth will appear as if it did not have roots, however this is the process of resorption taking place. The roots of the permanent first molars and permanent incisors are beginning to mineralize at this time too. On occasion the adult teeth erupt adjacent to the baby teeth and this may result in two rows of teeth. A consultation with your dentist at this time is important to determine the status of the baby teeth. Important Milestones in the Growth and Development of Your Child's Teeth: Age 6 This is a time of great change. Growth in the skull and upper part of the face is almost complete at this time. However, growth in the lower part of the face is just beginning. It's at this time that your child will start to lose his or her "baby face." Your first grader will have their first permanent molars making their way into the mouth. Usually these teeth erupt without much fuss. The front baby teeth are loose around this time allowing for the permanent incisors to grow through the gums. The roots of the primary teeth continue to resorb and the crown of the permanent canine is fully formed. Important Milestones in the Growth and Development of Your Child's Teeth: Age 10 Many changes have already taken place in your child's mouth. The permanent incisors are by now fully into your child’s mouth and the primary molars are beginning to loosen and fall out. The permanent molars are in position and the second permanent molars are beginning to find their way into the mouth. The roots of the baby canines are resorbing to make way for the permanent canines. The upper canines are one of the last teeth to erupt into the mouth. These “eye teeth” help to close the space between your child's upper front teeth. Important Milestones in the Growth and Development of Your Child's Teeth: Age 13 Your child is now 13 and has all of his or her permanent teeth in with the exception of the last molars, often called the wisdom teeth. The bones and jaws are reaching their adult dimensions and strength. There are 32 teeth in the mouth including the wisdom teeth still under the gums. PRIMARY TEETH ERUPTION CHART PERMANENT TEETH ERUPTION